Synopsis: Chinye is being treated badly by her step-mother but strange powers guide her through the jungle to a place where a small gourd changes her life completely.

Review: This West African traditional tale illustrates how obedience and goodness change Chinye’s life. Her cruel step-mother does not care for her and sends Chinye through the dangerous jungle at night. However, strange and powerful forces guide her and she obeys the instructions of an old woman who mysteriously appears in front of her. As a result Chinye finds a gourd full of treasure and becomes rich. Her greedy step-mother, Nkechi, sends Chinye’s step-sister, Adanma into the jungle in the hope that she too will meet the same forces. Adanma disobeys instructions and all their goods disappear in a whirlwind.

The illustrations in this book are bright and complement this tale. The end papers are vibrant and beg to be copied in an art project or for wall display in the classroom. Chinye has parallels with the story of Cinderella in the ‘rags to riches’ scenario. However, there is no handsome prince and Chinye’s reward after a life of misery is to help others in her village. This provides her with immense happiness. As with most traditional stories there is a strong moral message but delivered in a warm and palatable format.

The story unfolds gradually and we know that Adanma, spoilt child that she is, will not obey the instructions given to her by the old woman so there is an element of prediction here. In addition to personal reading this story could be used as the basis of discussion on a number of issues. There is the multicultural aspect to discover and also the moral issues relating to obedience and fear. Children could be asked to research other stories from Africa and see if they can spot any similarities between these traditional tales and those from other cultures. However, the story can also just be enjoyed through independent reading or by an adult sharing it with a younger child.

2008-05-26